China’s “Jiutian” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has completed its maiden flight. An article on China.com described its “superior capabilities”:
“This UAV goes beyond the traditional roles of reconnaissance or attack, emerging as a large-scale multi-role unmanned combat platform.
“With a wingspan of up to 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, and a payload capacity of 6 tons, the Jiutian drone boasts a range of 7,000 kilometers and endurance of over 12 hours. It features 8 heavy-duty weapon hardpoints under its wings and an internally integrated heterogeneous hive mission bay, capable of carrying hundreds of swarm drones or loitering munitions, enabling multi-target strikes and coordinated combat operations.
“The drone uses advanced stealth materials and a unique aerodynamic design to reduce its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect.
“With a maximum flight altitude of 15,000 meters, it operates above the range of most air defense systems, significantly enhancing its survivability.
“The Jiutian UAV’s payload capacity is up to 6 tons, comparable to China’s mainstay fighter jet J-10C, and even greater than the combined payload of the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones. It can be equipped with a wide variety of munitions, including 1,000 kg guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, and loitering munitions, achieving comprehensive strike capabilities against air, ground, and maritime targets.
“The Jiutian UAV is highly versatile, capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, precision strikes, fire support, information operations, and electronic warfare. With its modular payload system, it can switch mission types within two hours.”
Source: China.com, May 28, 2025
https://military.china.com/news/13004177/20250528/48392625.html